As they await news about their university applications, Class 12 students are currently discussing how they can prepare themselves for the upcoming transition from school to university, and from the security of family life in Bali to self-sufficient living in ‘what will be for many’ a foreign country.
Most are very excited about the opportunities for learning, independence and new friendships that await. But there are also worries about how to cope with certain aspects of this freedom. Three areas have been of particular concern: managing finances, doing laundry and how to eat well without the luxury of Gojek!
So, although I know many of you are parents of much younger children, I would like to share a few ways parents can support the work we are doing in school. Each small step – started early – will help students feel more prepared and confident about the big steps that they face after leaving Dyatmika.
- Talk openly with your children about the value of money and show them how to be responsible for it. Students will have to manage their cash at university, so if they have had experience budgeting their own pocket money they will be better prepared. Demonstrate how to use a cash machine and online banking. Discuss the pros and cons of credit cards.
- Introduce them to the washing machine. Explain how to deal with different fabrics and colours. Discuss what liquid to buy and let them practise ironing – whilst mentioning the benefits of the ‘smoothing’ technique and buying clothes that are easy to care for – and warm.
- Get cooking. Students will need to know how to shop for and prepare their own food. Together learn 3 simple healthy recipes – e.g a one pan nasi dish. Teach them the treasured family sambal recipe and how to make jamu – a great daily remedy during the winter! Boiling and frying an egg, making an omelette, cooking rice and pasta, mastering batch cooking are all essential skills for new cooks.